COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (May. 18, 2006) -- Today the Space Foundation announced that leading entrepreneurs, a nationally acclaimed astrophysicist, and the director of Kennedy Space Center will be featured speakers during the second annual Florida Space conference. The conference takes place Dec. 5-7, 2006 at the Buena Vista Palace in Orlando, Fla.

"We have expanded the program for Florida Space 2006 and moved it to Orlando to accommodate more attendees and add an exhibit center," said Elliot G. Pulham, Space Foundation president and chief executive officer. "We are thrilled with the interest and support shown by Florida's business community and the aerospace industry nationwide."

During two full days of panel sessions and featured speakers, Florida Space 2006 will focus on Florida's space economy, addressing the challenges facing the existing aerospace industry and the entrepreneurial spirit and enterprises that will ensure its future. The exhibit center is a new addition to this year's conference.

Registration to Florida Space 2006 includes entrance to the opening ceremony and reception, all panel sessions and featured speeches, the all-new exhibit center, and dining tickets for two luncheons and the Florida Space dinner.

Florida Space 2006 is conducted by the Space Foundation in association with NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the U.S. Air Force 45th Space Wing, and Florida Space Authority.

Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Colorado Springs, the Space Foundation is a national nonprofit organization that vigorously advances civil, commercial, and national security space endeavors and educational excellence. The Space Foundation has offices in Washington, D.C., and Cape Canaveral, Fla. In addition to Florida Space 2005, the Space Foundation annually conducts, along with its partnering organizations Strategic Space and Defense 10-12 Oct. 2006 in Omaha, Neb. The Space Foundation’s signature event, the National Space Symposium, is scheduled for April 9-12, 2007, at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colo. For more information, visit www.SpaceFoundation.org.